One of the questions I get asked the most is whether or not I ask people in public if I can photograph them. This question often comes after someone sees me take a candid photo - like the one of the pilot below.

I don’t mind them asking. I appreciate the curiosity.

You might, however, either really like or really dislike my answer. The reason is because you might feel a certain way about being photographed in public or about privacy in general. I understand not everyone will be ok with my response.

My job (can we call it art too?) is to document life. Life isn’t posed - at least outside of social media. Life happens. The moments happen. To stop it from being what it is and from being captured is to rob it from being appreciated. Just ask this American girl:

So do I ask for permission?

Usually… no.

In fact, I don’t ask for permission roughly 80% of the time. I definitely didn’t ask these soccer fans celebrating their team, Paris’ PSG, scoring a goal.

Sometimes even when I do ask people say “no.” I simply accept their wishes and move on.

The photo below is a rare shot I took that was basically in between me asking for permission and the gentleman refusing to be photographed. Because his face is not visible, I’m comfortable sharing it.

Fortunately, laws typically allow for photography in public. I can’t imagine how many fines we would have paid already from taking our phones in public to take a photo.

I hope that the implicit and explicit permission my subjects give me serves the higher level purpose of bringing you, dear reader, meaningful moments worth appreciating.

Until next time,

JG

Do you ask for permission?

Remember to slow down!